Lighting device for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A lighting device to be mounted on a vehicle has a light source, a projection lens having an optical axis, and disposed so as to allow at least some of light emitted from the light source to pass therethrough, a holder that holds the projection lens, a pivot shaft provided at one of the projection lens and the holder and extending in a direction intersecting with the optical axis of the projection lens, a bearing provided at the other of the projection lens and the holder and that holds the pivot shaft, and an aiming mechanism configured to pivot the projection lens relative to the holder about the pivot shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage application of PCT/JP2015/061012filed Apr. 8, 2015, and claims priority to Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2014-090205 filed on Apr. 24, 2014 and Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2014-090206 filed on Apr. 24, 2014, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a lighting device to be mounted on avehicle.

Related Art

As an example of this type of lighting device, there has been known afog lam where a light source and a projection lens are accommodated in alamp chamber defined by a housing and a translucent cover. Light emittedfrom the light source is subjected to a predetermined orientationcontrol by passing through the projection lens, thereby forming apredetermined light distribution pattern in front of a vehicle (e.g.,see Patent Document 1).

In this type of lighting device, it is general that a mounting member toa vehicle body is provided in a housing which defines a lamp chambertogether with a translucent cover (e.g., see Patent Documents 2 and 3).

CITATION LIST Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-108570

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-088627

Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility-Model Registration Publication No.3173307

SUMMARY

In the configuration that a projection lens is accommodated in a lampchamber, due to error during product assembly or variation in assemblyprecision to a vehicle, error from predetermined specification may occurin a reference position of an optical axis of the projection lens. Inthis case, a desired light distribution pattern may not be obtained.Accordingly, there is a request to provide an aiming mechanism foraddressing the error. However, in the case of additionally providing theaiming mechanism, an increase in the size of the lighting device cannotbe avoided.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, anincrease in the size of a lighting device may be suppressed even whileincluding a projection lens and an aiming mechanism for performing theadjustment of an optical axis thereof.

The configuration of a vehicle to which a lighting device is mounted ischanged in accordance with the type of vehicle and is regularly changedeven for the same type of vehicle. The number, shape and arrangement ofthe mounting members of the lighting device are obliged to designchanges in accordance with the type of vehicle or the regularconfiguration changes. This fact is a factor causing an increase incomponent cost and manufacturing cost.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, anincrease in component cost and manufacturing cost of a lighting devicefor a vehicle may be suppressed.

A lighting device to be mounted on a vehicle according to one or moreembodiments of the present invention includes a light source; aprojection lens disposed so as to allow at least some of light emittedfrom the light source to pass therethough; a holder configured to holdthe projection lens; a pivot shaft provided at one of the projectionlens and the holder and extending in a direction intersecting with anoptical axis of the projection lens; a bearing provided at the other ofthe projection lens and the holder and configured to holding the pivotshaft; and an aiming mechanism configured to pivot the projection lensrelative to the holder about the pivot shaft.

According to this configuration, a reference position of the opticalaxis of the projection lens is adjusted by directly pivoting theprojection lens held in the holder. Therefore, it is possible tosuppress an increase in the size of the lighting device even whileincluding the projection lens and the aiming mechanism for performingthe adjustment of the optical axis thereof.

A lighting device according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention includes a housing defining a portion of a lamp chamber foraccommodating the light source, the projection lens, the pivot shaft andthe bearing. The aiming mechanism includes a screw, a portion of whichcan be rotationally operated on the outside of the housing; and a jointwhich converts the rotation of the screw into a force for pivoting theprojection lens about the pivot shaft.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the jointis molded integrally with the projection lens.

In this case, the number of parts can be reduced. When the projectionlens and the joint are separately configured, it is possible to improvethe molding ease of each part.

A lighting device according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention includes a circuit board having a circuit configured tocontrol the turning on/off of the light source. The screw is extendedthrough a portion of the housing. At least a portion of the circuitboard is disposed in a space inside the lamp chamber to which the screwis extended.

According to this configuration, a space which is required for theprovision of the screw can be effectively utilized, thereby suppressingan increase in the size of the housing. Therefore, it is possible tosuppress an increase in the size of the lighting device even whileincluding the projection lens and the aiming mechanism for performingthe adjustment of the optical axis thereof.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the screwis extended in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. According to oneor more embodiments of the present invention, the circuit board isdisposed such that at least a portion of a main surface faces the screw.

According to this configuration, especially in the vertical direction, adimension of the housing can be reduced. Generally, a request forminiaturization of the lighting device is strong in the verticaldirection rather than in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it ispossible to cope with the request for such miniaturization even whileincluding the projection lens and the aiming mechanism for performingthe adjustment of the optical axis thereof.

A lighting device according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention includes a reflector configured to reflect the light emittedfrom the light source in a predetermined direction. The reflector isprovided in the holder. The position of the holder to the light sourceis fixed.

According to this configuration, the orientation of the light emittedfrom the light source can be easily controlled and this configurationcontributes to the miniaturization of the projection lens or theimprovement in a degree of freedom in arrangement of the projectionlens. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size ofthe lighting device even while including the projection lens and theaiming mechanism for performing the adjustment of the optical axisthereof.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a lightemitting surface of the light source faces the projection lens.

According to this configuration, the distance between the light sourceand the projection lens can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible tosuppress an increase in the size of the lighting device even whileincluding the projection lens and the aiming mechanism for performingthe adjustment of the optical axis thereof.

A lighting device to be mounted on a vehicle according to one or moreembodiments of the present invention includes a light source; a housingdefining a portion of a space for accommodating the light source; atranslucent cover coupled to the housing so as to allow light emittedfrom the light source to pass therethrough; and a mounting member, aportion of which is mounted to the vehicle and which supports thehousing via the translucent cover.

According to this configuration, when the type, structure or design orthe like of the vehicle to which the lighting device is mounted ischanged, it is sufficient to change only the configuration of thetranslucent cover. Specifically, at least one of the number, shape andarrangement of the mounting member and the design of the translucentcover itself may be changed. Since the more expensive housing and thecomponent group mounted to the housing can be shared and generalized, anincrease in component cost and manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, themounting member is molded integrally with the translucent cover.

According to this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced.When the mounting member and the translucent cover are separatelyconfigured, it is possible to improve the molding ease of each part.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, themounting member has an opening through which a mounting screw isinserted. A plurality of protrusions is formed around the opening.

According to this configuration, the plurality of protrusions is cut orcrushed when the mounting member is fixed to a vehicle body by afastening member. In any case, the plurality of protrusions serves as abuffering material for absorbing the stress which is applied to themounting member by the fastening member. Therefore, in an operation offixing the translucent cover to the vehicle, it is possible to preventthe translucent cover from being cracked due to the stress generated bythe tightening of the fastening member. As a result, not only anincrease in component cost and manufacturing cost can be suppressed, butalso workability is improved.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a grooveis formed around each of the plurality of protrusions.

According to this configuration, the debris of the protrusion cut by thefastening member can be received in the grooves. Alternatively, theprotrusion, which is deformed by being crushed the fastening member, canbe received in the groove. Therefore, a gap is less likely to occurbetween the fastening member and the mounting member by the cut debrisof the protrusion or the deformed protrusion. In this way, the fasteningmember can be prevented from being excessively tightened. Therefore, thetranslucent cover can be prevented from being cracked due to the stressgenerated by the excessive tightening. As a result, not only an increasein component cost and manufacturing cost can be suppressed, but alsoworkability is improved.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, themounting member is provided in a frame body. According to one or moreembodiments of the present invention, the translucent cover has anengaging portion which is engageable with the frame body.

According to this configuration, when the type, structure or design orthe like of the vehicle to which the lighting device is mounted ischanged, it is sufficient to change only the configuration of themounting member. Specifically, at least one of the number, shape andarrangement of the mounting members and the design of the frame bodyitself may be changed. In this case, since not only the more expensivehousing and the component group mounted to the housing can be shared andgeneralized but also the translucent cover can be shared andgeneralized, an increase in component cost and manufacturing cost can besuppressed.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, thelighting device includes a buffering member sandwiched between the framebody and the translucent cover.

According to this configuration, when the mounting member provided inthe frame body is fixed to a vehicle body by a fastening member, thebuffering member absorbs the stress which is applied to the translucentcover via the frame body. Therefore, in an operation of fixing the framebody to the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the translucent coverfrom being cracked due to the stress generated by the tightening of thefastening member. As a result, not only an increase in component costand manufacturing cost can be suppressed, but also workability isimproved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fog lamp according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional left side view showing the fog lamp shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a projection lens included in thefog lamp shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a lens holder included in the foglamp shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9A-9C are left side views showing an operation of an aimingmechanism included in the fog lamp shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first modification of the foglamp shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second modification of the foglamp shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 12A-12D are front views showing a portion of the fog lamp shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a third modification ofthe fog lamp shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the fog lamp shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a portion of a fog lamp accordingto a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a projection lens included in thefog lamp shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a lens holder included in the foglamp shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp shown inFIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp shown inFIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In embodiments ofthe invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order toprovide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it willbe apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuringthe invention. Meanwhile, in each of the drawings used in the followingdescription, the scale of each member is suitably changed in order tohave a recognizable size. Further, “right” and “left” used in thefollowing description indicate the left and right directions as seenfrom a driver's seat.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a fog lamp 1 (anexample of the lighting device) according to a first embodiment, as seenfrom the left front upper side. The fog lamp 1 includes a housing 2 anda translucent cover 3. FIG. 2 shows a left side view of the fog lamp 1,in which only the translucent cover 3 is shown in a sectional view. Thetranslucent cover 3 is mounted to the housing 2, thereby defining a lampchamber 4.

The housing 2 includes a back plate 2 a, a support table 2 b and aplurality of heat-dissipation plates 2 c. The back plate 2 a has a discshape so as to minimize the occupying area when installed to a vehicle.The support table 2 b is provided in front of the back plate 2 a andaccommodated in the lamp chamber 4. The plurality of heat-dissipationplates 2 c is provided on the rear surface of the back plate 2 a andextends in a vertical direction. That is, the plurality ofheat-dissipation plates 2 c is disposed on the outside of the lampchamber 4. The back plate 2 a, the support table 2 b and the pluralityof heat-dissipation plates 2 c are integrally molded of a high thermalconductivity material such as a metal. That is, the housing 2 defines aportion of the lamp chamber 4 and also serves as a heat sink.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fog lamp 1 includes a projection lens 5, a lensholder 6 and a light source unit 7. The projection lens 5, the lensholder 6 and the light source unit 7 are accommodated in the lampchamber 4.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp 1 inwhich the translucent cover 3 is removed from the state shown in FIG. 1,as seen from the left front upper side. FIG. 4 is a perspective viewshowing a portion of the fog lamp in which the projection lens 5 isremoved from the state shown in FIG. 3, as seen from the left frontupper side.

As shown in FIG. 4, the light source unit 7 includes a support board 7a, a light source 7 b and a first connector 7 c. The support board 7 ais mounted on the front surface of the support table 2 b of the housing2. The light source 7 b and the first connector 7 c are disposed on thefront surface of the support board 7 a. A circuit wiring (not shown) isformed in the support board 7 a and electrically connects the lightsource 7 b and the first connector 7 c.

In the first embodiment, the light source 7 b is configured by aplurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. For example, thesemiconductor light emitting element may include a light emitting diode,a laser diode and an organic EL element, etc. The number of the lightemitting elements is appropriately determined, depending on thespecification. Further, a lamp light source may be used as the lightsource 7 b.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp 1 inwhich the lens holder 6 and the support board 7 a are removed from thestate shown in FIG. 4, as seen from the left front lower side. FIG. 6 isa perspective view showing the above state, as seen from the left rearlower side. The light source unit 7 further includes a drive circuitboard 7 d and a second connector 7 e.

The drive circuit board 7 d includes a light source drive circuit forcontrolling the turning on/off of the light source 7 b. The secondconnector 7 e is electrically connected to the above circuit. The drivecircuit board 7 d is mounted on the lower surface of the support table 2b of the housing 2.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fog lamp 1 includes a wiring unit 8. Thewiring unit 8 includes an external connector 8 a, a first internalconnector 8 b, a second internal connector 8 c, a third internalconnector 8 d, a first connection wire 8 e, a second connection wire 8 fand a seal member 8 g.

The external connector 8 a is disposed on the outside of the lampchamber 4. The external connector 8 a is configured to be connectable toa mating connector (not shown) which is connected to a power source oran integrated control unit in a power supplying manner or in acommunicable manner. The power source and the integrated control unitare included in the vehicle having the fog lamp 1 mounted thereon. Thefirst internal connector 8 b is communicatively connected to theexternal connector 8 a via the first connection wire 8 e. The firstinternal connector 8 b is connected to the second connector 7 e providedin the drive circuit board 7 d. The power supplied from the power sourceor the control signal transmitted from the integrated control unit isinputted to the light source drive circuit included in the drive circuitboard 7 d via the external connector 8 a, the first internal connector 8b and the second connector 7 e.

The first connection wire 8 e extends through the seal member 8 g. Theseal member 8 g is fitted into a through hole formed in the back plate 2a below the support table 2 b and the plurality of heat-dissipationplates 2 c.

The first internal connector 8 b and the second internal connector 8 care connected to each other in a power supplying manner or in acommunicable manner via the second connection wire 8 f. The firstinternal connector 8 b is connected to the second connector 7 e providedin the drive circuit board 7 d. As shown in FIG. 4, the second internalconnector 8 c is connected to the first connector 7 c provided in thesupport board 7 a. The control signal outputted from the light sourcedrive circuit of the drive circuit board 7 d is inputted to the lightsource 7 b via the first internal connector 8 b, the second internalconnector 8 c and the first connector 7 c. In this way, the light source7 b performs a desired turning on/off operation.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lens holder 6 is fixed to the frontsurface of the support board 7 a. The lens holder 6 holds the projectionlens 5. At least some of the light emitted from the light source 7 bpasses through the projection lens 5. The light passing through theprojection lens 5 passes through the translucent cover 3, therebyilluminating the front of the fog lamp 1.

Subsequently, a structure of holding the projection lens 5 in the lensholder 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is aperspective view showing an appearance of the projection lens 5, as seenfrom the left rear lower side. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing anappearance of the lens holder 6, as seen from the left front lower side.

As shown in FIG. 7, the projection lens 5 includes a right pivot shaft 5a and a left pivot shaft 5 b. The right pivot shaft 5 a is disposed onthe right side of the projection lens 5. The right pivot shaft 5 a isformed to have a hemispherical shape and a spherical surface thereoffaces the right side. The left pivot shaft 5 b is disposed on the leftside of the projection lens 5. The left pivot shaft 5 b is formed tohave a hemispherical shape and a spherical surface thereof faces theleft side. An axial line A connecting the centers of the right pivotshaft 5 a and the left pivot shaft 5 b extends in a directionperpendicular to an optical axis B of the projection lens 5.

As shown in FIG. 8, the lens holder 6 includes a right bearing 6 a and aleft bearing 6 b. The right bearing 6 a and the left bearing 6 b areprovided on the front surface of the lens holder 6.

The right bearing 6 a has a peripheral wall 6 a 1, a pair of protrusions6 a 2 and a curved receiving surface 6 a 3. The peripheral wall 6 a 1protrudes forward from the front surface of the lens holder 6 andextends in a semicircular arc shape. The semicircular arc is opened tothe left side. Each of the pair of protrusions 6 a 2 extends so as tooverhang from the front end of the peripheral wall 6 a 1 toward theinside of the semicircular arc. Each of the pair of protrusions 6 a 2can be slightly deflected and deformed to the rear side. The curvedreceiving surface 6 a 3 is disposed on the inside of the semicirculararc drawn by the peripheral wall 6 a 1 and faces the pair of protrusions6 a 2. The curved receiving surface 6 a 3 has a shape along thehemispherical surface of the right pivot shaft 5 a.

The left bearing 6 b has a peripheral wall 6 b 1, a pair of protrusions6 b 2 and a curved receiving surface 6 b 3. The peripheral wall 6 b 1protrudes forward from the front surface of the lens holder 6 andextends in a semicircular arc shape. The semicircular arc is opened tothe right side. Each of the pair of protrusions 6 b 2 extends so as tooverhang from the front end of the peripheral wall 6 b 1 toward theinside of the semicircular arc. Each of the pair of protrusions 6 b 2can be slightly deflected and deformed to the rear side. The curvedreceiving surface 6 b 3 is disposed on the inside of the semicirculararc drawn by the peripheral wall 6 b 1 and faces the pair of protrusions6 b 2. Although hidden by the pair of protrusions 6 b 2 in FIG. 8, thecurved receiving surface 6 b 3 is bilaterally symmetrical with thecurved receiving surface 6 a 3 and has a shape along the hemisphericalsurface of the left pivot shaft 5 b.

The projection lens 5 and the lens holder 6 having the configurations asdescribed above are coupled to each other, as shown in FIG. 3. At thistime, the right pivot shaft 5 a and the left pivot shaft 5 b of theprojection lens 5 are held in the right bearing 6 a and the left bearing6 b of the lens holder 6, respectively.

Specifically, as the right pivot shaft 5 a is pressed against the rightbearing 6 a, the right pivot shaft 5 a enters a region surrounded by theperipheral wall 6 a 1 while deforming the pair of protrusions 6 a 2rearward. When a portion of the hemispherical surface of the right pivotshaft 5 a comes into contact with the curved receiving surface 6 a 3,the pair of protrusions 6 a 2 returns to its original position, therebypreventing the right pivot shaft 5 a from coming out forward. In thisway, within the region surrounded by the peripheral wall 6 a 1, theright pivot shaft 5 a can be pivoted in a plane perpendicular to theaxial line A shown in FIG. 7.

Similarly, as the left pivot shaft 5 b is pressed against the leftbearing 6 b, the left pivot shaft 5 b enters a region surrounded by theperipheral wall 6 b 1 while deforming the pair of protrusions 6 b 2rearward. When a portion of the hemispherical surface of the left pivotshaft 5 b comes into contact with the curved receiving surface 6 b 3,the pair of protrusions 6 b 2 returns to its original position, therebypreventing the left pivot shaft 5 b from coming out forward. In thisway, within the region surrounded by the peripheral wall 6 b 1, the leftpivot shaft 5 b can be pivoted in a plane perpendicular to the axialline A shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fog lamp 1 includes an aiming screw 9.The aiming screw 9 has a head portion 9 a and a shaft portion 9 b. Asshown in FIG. 6, the head portion 9 a is disposed below the plurality ofheat-dissipation plates 2 c on the rear surface of the back plate 2 a ofthe housing 2. That is, the head portion 9 a is disposed on the outsideof the housing 2. The head portion 9 a can be rotationally operated by apredetermined tool. The shaft portion 9 b extends into the lamp chamber4 through the back plate 2 a. A screw groove is formed at an outerperipheral surface of the shaft portion 9 b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the projection lens 5 has a connection portion 5 cand a joint 5 d. The connection portion 5 c is molded integrally with alower portion of the projection lens 5 and extends downward from thelower portion. The joint 5 d is mounted to the connection portion 5 c. Athrough hole 5 d 1 is formed in the joint 5 d. A screw groove is formedat an inner peripheral surface of the through hole 5 d 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft portion 9 b of the aiming screw 9 isinserted into the through hole 5 d 1 of the joint 5 d. At this time, thescrew groove formed at the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion9 b is screwed with the screw groove formed at the inner peripheralsurface of the through hole 5 d 1. When the head portion 9 a of theaiming screw 9 is rotationally operated by a predetermined tool, thescrewed position of the shaft portion 9 b and the joint 5 d is changed,and thus, the joint 5 d is displaced in the longitudinal direction.

FIGS. 9A-9C are left side views for explaining the movement of theprojection lens 5 caused by the rotation of the aiming screw 9. FIG. 9Ashows an initial state.

When the aiming screw 9 is rotated to the left side from the abovestate, the joint 5 d is displaced to the front. Along with this, theconnection portion 5 c of the projection lens 5 is pressed forward. Atthis time, the right pivot shaft 5 a and the left pivot shaft 5 b of theprojection lens 5 are pivoted rearward in the right bearing 6 a and theleft bearing 6 b of the lens holder 6, respectively. Accordingly, asshown in FIG. 9B, the optical axis B of the projection lens 5 isinclined upward.

On the other hand, when the aiming screw 9 is rotated to the right side,the joint 5 d is displaced to the rear. Along with this, the connectionportion 5 c of the projection lens 5 is pressed rearward. At this time,the right pivot shaft 5 a and the left pivot shaft 5 b of the projectionlens 5 are pivoted forward in the right bearing 6 a and the left bearing6 b of the lens holder 6, respectively. Accordingly, as shown in FIG.9C, the optical axis B of the projection lens 5 is inclined downward.

Specifically, the aiming screw 9 and the joint 5 d constitute an aimingmechanism for pivoting the projection lens 5 relative to the lens holder6 about the right pivot shaft 5 a and the left pivot shaft 5 b. As thehead portion 9 a of the aiming screw 9 is rotationally operated, theshaft portion 9 b is rotated. The joint 5 d converts the rotation of theshaft portion 9 b into a force for pivoting the projection lens 5. Thus,the reference position in the vertical direction of the optical axis Bof the projection lens 5 can be regulated through the rotationaloperation of the aiming screw 9.

According to the configurations as described above, the referenceposition of the optical axis B of the projection lens 5 is adjusted bydirectly pivoting the projection lens 5 held in the lens holder 6.Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the foglamp 1 even while including the projection lens 5 and the aimingmechanism for performing the adjustment of the optical axis thereof.

Meanwhile, in the aiming mechanism, it is not essential to use theaiming screw which can be operated from the outside of the housing 2.For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration that an actuatorconnected to the projection lens 5 is provided in the lamp chamber 4 andthe projection lens 5 is pivoted relative to the lens holder 6 by theactuator. In this case, it is possible to adopt a configuration that asignal for controlling the actuator is inputted through the wiring unit8.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the first embodiment, the joint 5 d is moldedseparately from the projection lens 5 and mounted to the connectionportion 5 c. However, the joint 5 d may be integrally molded as a partof the projection lens 5. In this case, the number of parts can bereduced. In the case where the connection portion 5 c and the joint 5 dare separately configured as in the first embodiment, it is possible toimprove the molding ease of each part.

As is apparent from FIGS. 4 and 5, the drive circuit board 7 d includingthe light source drive circuit is disposed in a space inside the lampchamber 4 to which the aiming screw 9 is extended.

According to this configuration, a space which is required for theprovision of the aiming screw 9 can be effectively utilized, therebysuppressing an increase in the size of the housing 2. Therefore, it ispossible to suppress an increase in the size of the fog lamp 1 evenwhile including the projection lens 5 and the aiming mechanism forperforming the adjustment of the optical axis thereof.

Particularly, in the first embodiment, the drive circuit board 7 d isdisposed such that a main surface faces the aiming screw 9.

According to this configuration, especially in the vertical direction, adimension of the housing 2 can be reduced. Generally, a request forminiaturization of the fog lamp 1 is strong in the vertical directionrather than in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible tocope with the request for such miniaturization even while including theprojection lens 5 and the aiming mechanism for performing the adjustmentof the optical axis thereof.

The drive circuit board 7 d may be arranged as in a first modificationshown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 5.In the present modification, a groove 2 d is formed in the support table2 b of the housing 2. The drive circuit board 7 d is arranged in such away that a portion is accommodated in the groove 2 d in a state where amain surface faces a lateral direction. The portion of the drive circuitboard 7 d located on the outside of the groove 2 d is disposed in aspace inside the lamp chamber 4 to which the aiming screw 9 is extended.Further, the drive circuit board 7 d is disposed such that the mainsurface faces the aiming screw 9.

According to this configuration, especially in the lateral direction, adimension of the housing 2 can be reduced. Generally, a request forminiaturization of the fog lamp 1 is strong in the lateral directionrather than in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible tocope with the request for such miniaturization even while including theprojection lens 5 and the aiming mechanism for performing the adjustmentof the optical axis thereof.

As shown in FIG. 8, the lens holder 6 has a pair of reflectors 6 c. Thepair of reflectors 6 c is provided on the front surface of the lensholder 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the position of the lens holder 6 to thelight source 7 b is fixed. The pair of reflectors 6 c is provided in ashape and arrangement to reflect the light emitted from the light source7 b in a predetermined direction.

According to this configuration, the orientation of the light emittedfrom the light source 7 b can be easily controlled and thisconfiguration contributes to the miniaturization of the projection lens5 or the improvement in a degree of freedom in arrangement of theprojection lens 5. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase inthe size of the fog lamp 1 even while including the projection lens 5and the aiming mechanism for performing the adjustment of the opticalaxis thereof.

The number, shape and arrangement of the reflector 6 c can beappropriately determined, depending on the specification of the fog lamp1. The reflector 6 c may be omitted, depending on the specification.

As shown in FIG. 1, the translucent cover 3 has four mounting members31. Each base end of the four mounting members 31 is molded integrallywith the translucent cover 3. The four mounting members 31 extend to theside away from the translucent cover 3. An opening 32 is formed at eachleading end of the four mounting members 31.

Fastening members (screws or bolts, etc.; not shown) are insertedthrough the openings 32. The fastening members are coupled to receivingmembers (screw holes or nuts, etc.) provided on the vehicle side. Eachof the four mounting members 31 is fixed to the vehicle by the fasteningmembers. At this time, each of the four mounting members 31 supports thehousing 2 via the translucent cover 3.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fog lamp 1A according to a secondmodification, as seen from the front right side. The fog lamp 1Aincludes a translucent cover 3A. The translucent cover 3A has threemounting members 31A. Each base end of the three mounting members 31A ismolded integrally with the translucent cover 3A. The three mountingmembers 31 extend to the side away from the translucent cover 3A. Atleast one opening 32 is formed at each leading end of the three mountingmembers 31A. Each of the three mounting members 31A is fixed to thevehicle by fastening members inserted through the openings 32. At thistime, each of the three mounting members 31A supports the housing 2 viathe translucent cover 3A.

The mounting members 31A of the translucent cover 3A are configured tobe mounted on a vehicle having a configuration different from thevehicle to which the translucent cover 3 shown in FIG. 1 is fixed.Therefore, at least one of the number, shape and arrangement of themounting members 31A is different from the mounting members 3 of thetranslucent cover 3. However, the configuration of the coupling portionto the housing 2 is common in the translucent cover 3 and thetranslucent cover 3A. Accordingly, the fog lamp 1 according to the firstembodiment and the fog lamp 1A according to the second modification aredifferent only in the configuration of the translucent cover 3 and thetranslucent cover 3A and other configurations thereof, i.e., theconfiguration of the housing 2 is the same as each other.

Namely, according to the configurations as described above, when thetype, structure or design or the like of the vehicle to which the foglamp 1 is mounted is changed, it is sufficient to change only theconfiguration of the translucent cover 3. Specifically, at least one ofthe number, shape and arrangement of the mounting members 31 and thedesign of the translucent cover 3 itself may be changed. Since the moreexpensive housing 2 and the component group mounted to the housing 2 canbe shared and generalized, an increase in component cost andmanufacturing cost can be suppressed.

Next, the structure of the openings 32 formed in the mounting members 31is described with reference to FIGS. 12A-12D. FIG. 12A is a front viewof the opening 32 and FIG. 12B is a sectional view taken along a lineXIIB-XIIB in FIG. 12A.

As shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, a plurality of protrusions 32 a is formedaround the opening 32. Each of the plurality of protrusions 32 aprotrudes toward the front.

According to this configuration, each of the plurality of protrusions 32a is cut or crushed when the mounting member 31 is fixed to a vehiclebody by a fastening member (not shown). In any case, the plurality ofprotrusions 32 a serves as a buffering material for absorbing the stresswhich is applied to the mounting member 31 by the fastening member.Therefore, in an operation of fixing the translucent cover 3 to thevehicle, it is possible to prevent the translucent cover 3 from beingcracked due to the stress generated by the tightening of the fasteningmember. As a result, not only an increase in component cost andmanufacturing cost can be suppressed, but also workability is improved.

FIG. 12C is a front view of an opening 32A according to a modificationand FIG. 12D is a sectional view taken along a line XIID-XIID in FIG.12C.

A plurality of protrusions 32 a is formed around the opening 32A. Eachof the plurality of protrusions 32 a protrudes toward the front. In thepresent modification, a groove 32 b is formed around each of theplurality of protrusions 32 a.

According to this configuration, the debris of the protrusion 32 a cutby the fastening member can be received in the grooves 32 b.Alternatively, the protrusion 32 a, which is deformed by being crushedthe fastening member, can be received in the groove 32 b. Therefore, agap is less likely to occur between the fastening member and themounting member 31 by the cut debris of the protrusion 32 a or thedeformed protrusion 32 a. In this way, the fastening member can beprevented from being excessively tightened and the translucent cover 3can be prevented from being cracked due to the stress generated by theexcessive tightening. As a result, not only an increase in componentcost and manufacturing cost can be suppressed, but also workability isimproved.

The contents described with reference to FIGS. 12A-12D can be alsoapplied to the openings 32 formed in the mounting members 31A of thetranslucent cover 3A described with reference to FIG. 11.

Next, a fog lamp 1B according to a third modification is described withreference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the foglamp 1B which is partially exploded. The fog lamp 1B includes atranslucent cover 3B, a bracket 40 and an O-ring 50.

The translucent cover 3B is mounted to the housing 2, thereby definingthe lamp chamber 4. The translucent cover 3B has a plurality of engagingprotrusions 33 (an example of the engaging part). The configurationregarding the housing 2 is the same as in the fog lamps 1, 1A describedabove.

The bracket 40 has an annular frame body 40 which defines an opening 40a. A plurality of notches 40 c is partially formed at the frame body 40.Each of the plurality of notches 40 c is communicated with the opening40 a. The plurality of notches 40 c is formed by the same number as theplurality of engaging protrusions 33.

The bracket 40 has three mounting members 41. Each base end of the threemounting members 41 is molded integrally with the frame body 40 b. Thethree mounting members 41 extend to the side away from the frame body 40b. At least one opening 42 is formed at each leading end of the threemounting members 41.

As shown in FIG. 14, the bracket 40 is mounted to the translucent cover3B. Specifically, the plurality of notches 40 c is respectively passedthrough the plurality of engaging protrusions 33. At this time, a mainbody of the translucent cover 3B passes through the opening 40 a andprotrudes to the front of the frame body 40 b. When the plurality ofengaging protrusions 33 reaches the front of the frame body 40 b asindicated by a broken line in FIG. 14, at least one of the bracket 40and the translucent cover 3B is twisted in order to move the pluralityof engaging protrusions 33 in a counterclockwise direction. In this way,as indicated by a solid line in FIG. 14, the plurality of engagingprotrusions 33 is engaged with the frame body 40 b, and thus, thetranslucent cover 3B is prevented from coming out rearward from thebracket 40.

Each of the three mounting members 41 is fixed to the vehicle byfastening members inserted through the openings 42. At this time, eachof the three mounting members 41 supports the housing 2 via thetranslucent cover 3B.

Namely, according to the configurations as described above, when thetype, structure or design or the like of the vehicle to which the foglamp 1B is mounted is changed, it is sufficient to change only theconfiguration of the bracket 40. Specifically, at least one of thenumber, shape and arrangement of the mounting members 41 and the designof the bracket 40 itself may be changed. In this case, since not onlythe more expensive housing 2 and the component group mounted to thehousing 2 can be shared and generalized but also the translucent cover3B can be shared and generalized, an increase in component cost andmanufacturing cost can be suppressed.

A structure of engaging the translucent cover 3B to the frame body 40 bis not limited to the above-described embodiments. A locking structuresuch as a lance structure or a bayonet structure can be appropriatelyemployed, so long as it can prevent the translucent cover 3B from comingout rearward from the frame body 40 b.

When the bracket 40 is mounted to the translucent cover 3B, the O-ring50 shown in FIG. 13 is sandwiched between the bracket 40 and thetranslucent cover 3B. The O-ring 50 is an annular member havingelasticity. An inner diameter of the O-ring 50 is greater than that ofthe opening 40 a and is disposed at a peripheral edge portion 34 of thetranslucent cover 3B.

According to this configuration, when the mounting members 41 of thebracket 40 are fixed to a vehicle body by fastening members (not shown),the O-ring 50 (an example of the buffering member) serves as a bufferingmaterial for absorbing the stress which is applied to the translucentcover 3B via the frame body 40 b. Therefore, in an operation of fixingthe bracket 40 to the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the translucentcover 3B from being cracked due to the stress generated by thetightening of the fastening member. As a result, not only an increase incomponent cost and manufacturing cost can be suppressed, but alsoworkability is improved.

The buffering member sandwiched between the bracket 40 and thetranslucent cover 3B is not limited to the O-ring 50. A buffering membersuch as a rubber pad or a gasket can be appropriately employed, so longas it can buffer the stress which is applied to the translucent cover 3Bvia the bracket 40 by the tightening of the fastening members.

Next, a fog lamp 11 according to a second embodiment will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 15 to 19. The same or similar components will bedenoted by the same reference numerals as those of the fog lamp 1according to the first embodiment and a duplicated description thereofis omitted.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp 11 in astate where the translucent cover 3 is removed, as seen from the rightfront upper side. The fog lamp 11 according to the second embodiment isdifferent from the fog lamp 1 according to the first embodiment in thestructure of the lens and the lens holder. The fog lamp 11 includes aprojection lens 15 and a lens holder 16. The lens holder 16 holds theprojection lens 15.

A structure of holding the projection lens 15 in the lens holder 16 willbe described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a perspectiveview showing an appearance of the projection lens 15, as seen from theleft rear lower side. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing anappearance of the lens holder 16, as seen from the left front upperside.

As shown in FIG. 16, the projection lens 15 includes a right pivot shaft15 a and a left pivot shaft 15 b. The right pivot shaft 15 a is disposedon the right side of the projection lens 15. The right pivot shaft 15 ais formed to have a semi-cylindrical shape and a circumferential surfacethereof faces the front side (see FIG. 15). The left pivot shaft 15 b isdisposed on the left side of the projection lens 15. The left pivotshaft 15 b is formed to have a semi-cylindrical shape and acircumferential surface thereof faces the front side. An axial line Aconnecting the centers of the right pivot shaft 15 a and the left pivotshaft 15 b extends in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis B ofthe projection lens 15.

As shown in FIG. 17, the lens holder 16 includes a right bearing 16 aand a left bearing 16 b. The right bearing 16 a and the left bearing 16b are provided on the front surface of the lens holder 16.

The right bearing 16 a has a base portion 16 a 1, a flexible portion 16a 2 and a curved receiving surface 16 a 3. The base portion 16 a 1protrudes forward from the front surface of the lens holder 16. Theflexible portion 16 a 2 extends to be curved to the left rear sidecontinuously from a front end portion of the base portion 16 a 1. Theflexible portion 16 a 2 can be slightly deflected and deformed to theright side. The curved receiving surface 16 a 3 is formed as a surfacerecessed forward in a rear end portion of the flexible portion 16 a 2.The curved receiving surface 16 a 3 faces the front surface of the lensholder 16 and has a shape along the circumferential surface of the rightpivot shaft 15 a.

The left bearing 16 b has a base portion 16 b 1, a flexible portion 16 b2 and a curved receiving surface 16 b 3. The base portion 16 b 1protrudes forward from the front surface of the lens holder 16. Theflexible portion 16 b 2 extends to be curved to the right rear sidecontinuously from a front end portion of the base portion 16 b 1. Theflexible portion 16 b 2 can be slightly deflected and deformed to theleft side. The curved receiving surface 16 b 3 is formed as a surfacerecessed forward in a rear end portion of the flexible portion 16 b 2.The curved receiving surface 16 b 3 faces the front surface of the lensholder 16 and has a shape along the circumferential surface of the leftpivot shaft 15 b.

The projection lens 15 and the lens holder 16 having the configurationsas described above are coupled to each other, as shown in FIGS. 15 and18. At this time, the right pivot shaft 15 a and the left pivot shaft 15b of the projection lens 15 are held in the right bearing 16 a and theleft bearing 16 b of the lens holder 16, respectively.

Specifically, as the right pivot shaft 15 a is pressed against the rightbearing 16 a, the right pivot shaft 15 a enters a region located betweenthe curved receiving surface 16 a 3 and the front surface of the lensholder 16 while deforming the flexible portion 16 a 2 to the right side.When the circumferential surface of the right pivot shaft 15 a comesinto contact with the curved receiving surface 16 a 3, the flexibleportion 16 a 2 returns to its original position, thereby preventing theright pivot shaft 15 a from coming out forward. In this way, within theregion located between the curved receiving surface 16 a 3 and the frontsurface of the lens holder 16, the right pivot shaft 15 a can be pivotedin a plane perpendicular to the axial line A shown in FIG. 16.

Similarly, as the left pivot shaft 15 b is pressed against the leftbearing 16 b, the left pivot shaft 15 b enters a region located betweenthe curved receiving surface 16 b 3 and the front surface of the lensholder 16 while deforming the flexible portion 16 b 2 to the left side.When the circumferential surface of the left pivot shaft 15 b comes intocontact with the curved receiving surface 16 b 3, the flexible portion16 b 2 returns to its original position, thereby preventing the leftpivot shaft 15 b from coming out forward. In this way, within the regionlocated between the curved receiving surface 16 b 3 and the frontsurface of the lens holder 16, the left pivot shaft 15 b can be pivotedin a plane perpendicular to the axial line A shown in FIG. 16.

As shown in FIG. 16, the projection lens 15 has the connection portion 5c and the joint 5 d, similar to the projection lens 5 according to thefirst embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the shaft portion 9 b of theaiming screw 9 is inserted into the through hole 5 d 1 of the joint 5 d.Accordingly, when the head portion 9 a of the aiming screw 9 isrotationally operated by a predetermined tool, the screwed position ofthe shaft portion 9 b and the joint 5 d is changed, and thus, the joint5 d is displaced in the longitudinal direction.

Namely, as described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C, the aiming screw 9and the joint 5 d constitute an aiming mechanism for pivoting theprojection lens 15 relative to the lens holder 16 about the right pivotshaft 15 a and the left pivot shaft 15 b. As the head portion 9 a of theaiming screw 9 is rotationally operated, the shaft portion 9 b isrotated. The joint 5 d converts the rotation of the shaft portion 9 binto a force for pivoting the projection lens 15. Thus, the referenceposition in the vertical direction of the optical axis B of theprojection lens 15 can be regulated through the rotational operation ofthe aiming screw 9.

Also with the configurations as described above, the reference positionof the optical axis B of the projection lens 15 is adjusted by directlypivoting the projection lens 15 held in the lens holder 16. Therefore,it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the fog lamp 11even while including the projection lens 15 and the aiming mechanism forperforming the adjustment of the optical axis thereof.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a portion of the fog lamp 11 inwhich the projection lens 15, the lens holder 16 and the support board 7a of the light source unit 7 are removed from the state shown in FIG.15, as seen from the left front lower side. In the second embodiment,the drive circuit board 7 d of the light source unit 7 is disposed in aspace below the support table 2 b of the housing 2, i.e., in a spaceinside the lamp chamber 4 to which the aiming screw 9 is extended. Thedrive circuit board 7 d is disposed such that a main surface faces thelongitudinal direction.

Also with this configuration, a space which is required for theprovision of the aiming screw 9 can be effectively utilized, therebysuppressing an increase in the size of the housing 2. Therefore, it ispossible to suppress an increase in the size of the fog lamp 11 evenwhile including the projection lens 15 and the aiming mechanism forperforming the adjustment of the optical axis thereof.

The above description is not intended to limit the present invention,but are merely non-limiting examples intended to facilitate theunderstanding of the present invention. It is apparent that the aboveembodiments can be modified and improved without departing from the gistthereof, and the equivalents thereof are included in the presentinvention.

In one or more of the above-described embodiments, the right pivot shaft5 a (15 a) and the left pivot shaft 5 b (15 b) are provided in theprojection lens 5 (15), and the right bearing 6 a (16 a) and the leftbearing 6 b (16 b) are provided in the lens holder 6 (16). Contrary tothis configuration, the right pivot shaft and the left pivot shaft maybe provided in the lens holder 6 (16), and the right bearing and theleft bearing may be provided in the projection lens 5 (15).

In one or more of the above-described embodiments, the light emittingsurface of the light source 7 b is provided in arrangement to face theprojection lens 5(15). According to this configuration, the distancebetween the light source 7 b and the projection lens 5 (15) can beshortened. However, from the viewpoint of a degree of freedom in layoutof an optical system, the orientation of the light emitting surface ofthe light source 7 b can be appropriately determined, depending on thespecification.

In one or more of the above-described embodiments, the fog lamp 1 (11)has been illustrated as an example of the lighting device. However, thepresent invention can be applied to various lighting devices in which aprojection lens is included in a lamp chamber defined by a housing and atranslucent cover and the adjustment for an optical axis of theprojection lens is required.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of thisdisclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised whichdo not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by theattached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting device to be mounted on a vehicle, thelighting device comprising: a light source; a projection lens having anoptical axis, and disposed so as to allow at least some of light emittedfrom the light source to pass therethrough; a holder that holds theprojection lens; a pivot shaft provided at one of the projection lensand the holder and extending in a direction intersecting with theoptical axis of the projection lens; a bearing provided at the other ofthe projection lens and the holder and that holds the pivot shaft; andan aiming mechanism configured to pivot the projection lens relative tothe holder about the pivot shaft, wherein the projection lens comprisesa connection portion and a joint, wherein the aiming mechanism comprisesa screw, a head portion of the screw, and the joint, wherein theconnection portion is molded integrally with a lower portion of theprojection lens and extends downward form the lower portion, and whereinthe projection lens is a single integrally-molded piece.
 2. The lightingdevice according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing defining aportion of a lamp chamber for accommodating the light source, theprojection lens, the pivot shaft, and the bearing, wherein the headportion of the screw of the aiming mechanism can be rotationallyoperated on an outside of the housing; and wherein the joint convertsthe rotation of the screw into a force for pivoting the projection lensabout the pivot shaft.
 3. The lighting device according to claim 2,further comprising: a circuit board having a circuit configured tocontrol the turning on/off of the light source, wherein the screw isextended through a portion of the housing, and wherein at least aportion of the circuit board is disposed in a space inside the lampchamber to which the screw is extended.
 4. The lighting device accordingto claim 3, wherein the screw is extended in a longitudinal direction ofthe vehicle, and wherein the circuit board is disposed such that atleast a portion of a main surface faces the screw.
 5. The lightingdevice according to claim 4, further comprising: a reflector configuredto reflect the light emitted from the light source in a predetermineddirection, wherein the reflector is provided in the holder, and whereinthe position of the holder to the light source is fixed.
 6. The lightingdevice according to claim 3, further comprising: a reflector configuredto reflect the light emitted from the light source in a predetermineddirection, wherein the reflector is provided in the holder, and whereinthe position of the holder to the light source is fixed.
 7. The lightingdevice according to claim 2, further comprising: a reflector configuredto reflect the light emitted from the light source in a predetermineddirection, wherein the reflector is provided in the holder, and whereinthe position of the holder to the light source is fixed.
 8. The lightingdevice according to claim 2, wherein a light emitting surface of thelight source faces the projection lens.
 9. The lighting device accordingto claim 1, further comprising: a reflector configured to reflect thelight emitted from the light source in a predetermined direction,wherein the reflector is provided in the holder, and wherein theposition of the holder to the light source is fixed.
 10. The lightingdevice according to claim 1, wherein a light emitting surface of thelight source faces the projection lens.
 11. The lighting deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein an entirety of the projection lens istranslucent.
 12. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein anentirety of the light source is disposed within the holder.